4 days ago
One dead, over 150 fall ill after meal on Muharram in Saharanpur
Meerut: A 55-year-old man died while over 150 people, including women and children, fell ill due to suspected food poisoning after consuming food served as part of Muharram observances in the Nanauta area of Saharanpur, officials said on Sunday.
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The incident followed Majlis gatherings held across the city on Saturday, after which locals served refreshments to participants.
Police said several people began complaining of stomach pain and vomiting late on Saturday night. Many affected individuals were taken to the local community health centre and other private healthcare facilities.
Shabi Haider, 55, a resident of Mohalla Shekhjadgan, was referred from CHC to the district hospital in a critical condition.
However, he died while being transported to a higher medical centre.
At Nanauta CHC, 66 individuals received treatment and showed signs of recovery, officials said. CHC in-charge Dr Pramod Kumar attributed the outbreak to the consumption of milk with ice or contaminated food. "Consuming stale and heavy meals during summer often leads to food poisoning. The affected people are receiving treatment and are stable," said Kumar.
Saharanpur chief medical officer Dr Praveen Kumar said initial findings suggest milk, cold drinks, sherbet, or biryani could have triggered the food poisoning. "Over 150 individuals were affected. The food and safety department has collected samples, and the exact cause will be determined following a thorough investigation. Teams from the health department are conducting door-to-door visits in the affected areas, providing treatment and performing medical check-ups on individuals who fell ill.
Most of them have been discharged from the hospital," he said.
